Burnley ever-presents playing well enough for England recognition - boss Sean Dyche

Three Clarets have started every Premier League game so far this season, and Dyche believes the form of keeper Nick Pope, centre back James Tarkowski and wide man Dwight McNeil merit at least being part of the conversation as far as the Three Lions are concerned.

And that is before you look at the likes of Ben Mee and Jack Cork, currently out injured, Jay Rodriguez, Ashley Westwood and Charlie Taylor.

Pope looked a certainty to make this summer's squad, before the coronavirus pandemic, while Tarkowski - twice capped by Gareth Southgate - would have been in contention.

And Dwight McNeil has also stood out as one of the most productive youngsters in the top flight, and could make the step up after being capped at Under 20 and 21 level over the last year.

Pope made his first England start in Kosovo in November, keeping a clean sheet in a 4-0 win, and he is joint-top in the race for the Golden Glove with Ederson of Manchester City.

There is much speculation as to whether Pope or Sheffield United's on loan Dean Henderson could replace Jordan Pickford as number one, and Dyche said: “I’ve never got in the way of Gareth choosing his side when I speak to him. Would I offer the obvious that Popey is playing very well? Yes.

“James Tarkowski is also playing very well. Dwight McNeil too. Dwight is getting towards playing a full season in the Premier League at 20 years old after playing half a season last year. He’s hardly missed a minute to be fair to the lad.

“So there are certainly three I’d say are playing well enough to be considered."

When pushed on Pope, after his remarkable display at Anfield on Saturday, Dyche added: “Popey has got some accolades, and rightly so.

"He’s had a number of good performances. Some by doing the basics very well, which he did against Sheffield United, and some making really big saves, like he did on Saturday.

“We know he’s a good goalkeeper, we know he’s still improving, but he’s doing a good job.”

Dyche is aware of the direction Southate wants to take England, using youth, pace and technical ability, and feels the aforementioned trio all fit into the current planning: “The obvious one is long-term form. I think consistency as well. Generally to be involved as an England player you have to keep your level of form high.

“I think Tarky is getting there. I’m enjoying his consistency.

"Popey is definitely getting there with his consistency and Dwight, as a young player, he just keeps those games rolling and he keeps going out there and delivering.

“I thought there were moments in the game on Saturday at Anfield when it was difficult and Dwight was often the one who took us from a defensive position into an attacking position and caused trouble down our left, their right.

“I just think he should be on the back burner if not thought about around the group. For any of those guys I’m not saying anything more than they should be in the thinking. I’m not saying they should definitely be starting or be in the squad. I’d like to think they are at least in a pool of players who are in the thinking.”

Dyche has seen Tom Heaton, Michael Keane, Cork, Tarkowski and Pope capped in his time as Burnley boss, while Danny Ings and Keiran Trippier both earned senior recognition after leaving the club.

Rodriguez has one cap while with Southampton after leaving Burnley, and Dyche feels the growing number of internationals at the club is a sign of progress: "Yeah, it’s pleasing. A while ago we had Tom Heaton, Keano, Corky got in for a game.

“I must say I think Ashley Westwood has been absolutely fantastic so I think over time it’s good that this club has had lots of England internationals.

“We’ve had lots of other internationals, I don’t want to do them down, and all the different countries they play for. But as an Englishman, I’m always looking out for the England players because they are the ones involved in Gareth’s thinking. I think we’ve got a number and that’s good.”